A relaxing, romantic Valentine’s Day dinner isn’t always as easy as it sounds. Prix-fixe menus in overcrowded restaurants where it’s nearly impossible to snag a table—who needs the stress? Luckily, there are other exhilarating ways to spend the holiday that don’t require a reservation. This year, head into the city for quality time with your significant other that’s guaranteed to put more spark into Valentine’s Day.
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Where to Celebrate Valentine’s Day on LI
Skate at one of NYC’s picturesque rinks
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Glide across the ice at New York’s most iconic rink at Rockefeller Center. It’s undoubtedly a destination for Valentine’s Day, especially since it’s offering dinner and skate packages. General admission skating is also available for those who won’t be dining at either The Sea Grill or the Rock Center Cafe. But for those who prefer more room to skate—and a scenic backdrop of skyscrapers to go along with it—Wollman Rink in Central Park may be the more ideal option. The rink at Bryant Park, where admission is free and skate rentals are just $20, is another good option.
Take in Manhattan’s iconic skyline on water
Delight in a Valentine’s Day dinner cruise with Spirit of New York or Bateaux New York. For about three hours, absorb the beauty of the Manhattan and Brooklyn skylines, indulge in a three-course dinner and dance the night away to a live band or DJ. Boats board at 6pm and leave from Chelsea Piers. There are also Valentine’s lunch and dinner cruises available in the days following the holiday.
Get a bird’s eye view of the city
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Panoramic views of the city will take your breath away at one of Manhattan’s premiere observatories. Look out across the skyline during sunset from one of the Empire State Building’s two observation decks, and watch the city lights take over as night falls. For views of the Empire State Building itself, try Top of the Rock, which offers 360-degree views of Central Park and Midtown. In Lower Manhattan, check out One World Observatory at the Freedom Tower, and take in sweeping views from the 100th, 101st and 102nd floors.
Unleash your wild side
What better way to channel all that love than with a visit to the fun and flirty Museum of Sex? Located in Manhattan’s Flatiron district, it’s just a short walk from Penn Station. Bounce around in the museum’s “Bouncy Castle of Breasts” exhibit, discover animal sexuality in “The Sex Lives of Animals” exposition or explore intimacy in a virtual reality experience for couples.
Tour Central Park on two wheels
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Enjoy a serene bike tour of beautiful Central Park with a small group of other cyclists. The tours, which last about two hours, include information on the park’s history and visits to many of its main attractions such as Belvedere Castle, Wollman Rink, Shakespeare Garden and spots where well-known movie and TV scenes were filmed. Private tours are also available for a more personalized experience. There’s no better way to get out and explore in the winter.